WICHITA - Sophomore guard Brittany Hines was the only Hutchinson Community College player not to score in Monday's Region 6 championship game at Koch Arena.

Brad Hallier

Monday

Mar 9, 2009 at 12:01 AMMar 9, 2009 at 6:00 PM

But ignore the point total. Hines was as solid as any of her teammates in helping Hutchinson beat Seward County 53-51 for the program's first Region 6 title since 1977.

Hines had four steals, tying a season best. She had two assists to one turnover. The former Buhler standout added two rebounds and a blocked shot.

Hines also helped set up Hutchinson's offense by attacking Seward County's suffocating full-court pressure defense, and then smartly whipping the ball around the perimeter in half-court settings.

Not a bad day's work for someone without a point.

"Before the game, I just wanted to play as hard as I could," Hines said. "I wanted to stay focused. I wasn't looking for a shot, but I would try to score if it was there. If not, I knew I could do other things to help the team out."

Hutchinson coach John Ontjes, who has demanded more leadership from his sophomores most of the season, said he couldn't have asked for more from Hines.

"Brittany did a great job of attacking," Ontjes said. "She fits in so well in this game because she's so good in the open floor. She made some plays, was very unselfish and played like a sophomore should."

Now Hines will get a chance to play in the same building where she won a state championship for Buhler - Salina's Bicentennial Center. The Crusaders won the Class 4A title there in 2005 when Hines was a sophomore.

"Actually, this feeling is a lot better because we stepped up at the end of the season and played to our potential," Hines said. "I think we've earned a lot of respect from a lot of people."

Printer-friendly version

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.